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BUNNY CARE

Rabbits are amazing pets but have unique needs that need to be met in order to live a long, healthy life.  Following is a guide that we compiled with basic bunny care but it is up to you, the future owner, to do extensive research in order to determine if a rabbit is the right pet for you!

Food:

-   Pellets:  Rabbits under 4 months should receive ½ cup of pellets a day, after 4 months they should receive ¾ cup of pellets a day.  We use Purina Show for our rabbits.  It can be bought at tractor supply.  We also sell 2.5 gallon ziploc bags for $10.  At pick up you will be given a small bag of feed.  

**Be aware that if you try to change to another food, your rabbit may refuse to eat which can result in GI stasis and potentially death.  If you switch to a feed with lower protein, your bunny may molt.  Do not let your rabbit go more than 24 hours without eating before seeking veterinary care.  DO NOT give your rabbit feed with colorful pieces or nuts mixed in, these are fillers and not healthy for your rabbit. 

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-   Hay:  Rabbits should have access to unlimited orchard or timothy hay.  We recommend this feed/hay rack combo for pellets and hay in their cage. It is a Kaytee Hay-N-Food Bin. 

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-   Vegetables:  AFTER 4 months old, rabbits may be given vegetables but they do not have to have them.  They can be given 1 c per 2 lb of body weight daily.  They can also be given fruit (sparingly).  Introduce vegetables in very small amounts to allow their gastrointestinal system time to adjust.  Here are some safe veggies/herbs and fruits to try:  romaine lettuce, kale, cucumber, carrot, celery, basil, cilantro, mint, apple, banana, grapes, blueberries, pineapples, strawberries.  Do research on other safe vegetables/fruits.  DO NOT GIVE ICEBERG LETTUCE. 

Water

Rabbits should receive fresh water daily.  Rabbits drink a lot of water, I recommend using a ceramic bowl as opposed to a water bottle as the bottles can get clogged and the rabbit dehydrated.  You can mix ¼ cap full (very small amount) of apple cider vinegar with mother into the water daily.  This helps with many things, most notably it decreases the smell of the urine.  In addition it promotes a healthy immune system and keeps the rabbits body pH balanced which helps with skin conditions or infections.  It keeps their fur softer and makes rabbits unattractive to worms, fleas and mites.  

Shelter

There are numerous options for housing your rabbit.  Regardless of the type of housing you choose, they need a minimum of 24” x 30.”  If they have a wire bottom cage, they need a mat to get off of the wire so that they do not develop sore hocks on their feet.  Bunnies need exercise out of their cage daily.  If you choose to have them free range in your house without constant supervision, you will need to bunny proof as they will chew cords, furniture, base boards, etc. 

Enrichment

Rabbits need toys!  They need toys to prevent boredom but they must have wooden toys to chew on.  Rabbit teeth continue to grow and it is essential that they have wooden toys to gnaw on in order to prevent their teeth from overgrowing.  They love empty toilet paper rolls, willow branch balls, apple branches, cat toys, etc.  

Health maintenance 

-  Rabbits need their nails trimmed monthly.  You can buy nail clippers on Amazon or at your local pet store.  Here is a good video on how to trim their nails:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9KemnaTGIs

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-   Litter Training:  Bunnies can be easily litter trained.  That being said, unless you spay/neuter them it will be difficult for them to maintain this training because they will continually have the desire to mark their territory.  There are many you tube videos on how to litter train your rabbit.  Make sure that the litter you choose for their litter box is safe for rabbits.  Many are not, do NOT use cedar shavings.  We recommend pine pellet bedding sold at Tractor Supply.  A 40lb bag is roughly $5.  https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb

  

-   I recommend that you spay/neuter your rabbit.  There are many reasons for this.  It can be done safely around 5-6 months of age.  Research rabbit savvy vets in your area.  In the Raleigh area, Dr. Brown at Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital at Dixie Trail spays and neuters rabbits.  

 

-   If your rabbit stops eating, stops pooping, has diarrhea, or is acting lethargic, you need to take them for veterinary care.  Research and select a bunny savvy veterinarian in your area. 

Love

It is up to you to create a rabbit that is social and acclimated to human interaction/touch.  You should give your rabbit a day or two to adjust to their new home but after that you should handle, pet and engage with your rabbit daily!  They have been handled and loved on since birth.  The more attention, the better!  Here is a you tube video on the proper way to pick your rabbit up:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIXdvtNwAPk

Supplies you will need before bringing your rabbit home: 

  1. Cage and cage mat if you have wire bottom cage 

  2. Food/Hay Rack

  3. Food 

  4. Ceramic water bowl and apple cider vinegar ‘with mother’ to add to their water 

  5. Litter box/Litter

  6. Toys

  7. Nail Clippers 

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